Palladium Books® Weekly Update – November 21, 2012

By Kevin Siembieda

It’s the Thanksgiving Day holiday weekend in the U.S., and I truly have much for which to be grateful: A wonderful girlfriend, a beautiful granddaughter, two children I love, outstanding friends, a great staff, the coolest and talented freelance writers and artists on the planet, new opportunities for Palladium Books and a very, very promising future. And, of course, you – the greatest fans anyone could ever hope for. People who care.

Sure, Palladium and I have had our ups and downs. We’ve experienced loss and some frightening challenges. That’s the way life goes. It’s not always easy. You have to take the bad with the good. Sometimes you have to work harder than you ever imagined to hang on to your dreams. Sometimes that struggle may even seem impossible. Sometimes there are people trying to tear you down while you struggle just to survive. Sometimes it may even feel like too much to bear. But you can overcome almost any challenge when you have the love and support of the people who matter most. I’m lucky. For me, that’s an army of people. Palladium’s hard decade of struggle and uncertainty has left an indelible mark on me. That mark is you: Everyone who has cared and stood by me and Palladium with words of support, help and love when we needed it most.

People are what’s most important. The love, friendship and shoulders of friends can help you through anything. I am very, very thankful to have been blessed to have so many kind and wonderful souls in my life. I am a better person for knowing each and every one of you. I’m equally grateful to have had the opportunity to touch so many lives in what I hope will always be a positive way.

So this weekend, I’ll be thinking of you. All of you. And thankful for being so very rich in what truly matters, friendship and love.

And now, on to our regularly scheduled program. ;)

UPDATE: Rifts® Vampires Sourcebook

I’ve been tweaking the contributions of other writers for Rifts® Vampires Sourcebook, and researching Mayan myths and legends. I will be immersing myself in the writing to the exclusion of almost all else until it is done starting TODAY. This is another book that I think will blow Rifts® players away.

UPDATE: Rifts® Northern Gun™ One and Two

I hope to be able to post an advance preview on DriveThruRPG.com soon.

UPDATE: The Rifter® #61

Amy Ashbaugh submitted her sketch for the cover, it was approved and we can hardly wait to see the finished painting. Dang, why do I just know I’ll want to purchase the original art to hang on the wall? ;) Wayne is still sorting through and selecting submissions.

UPDATE: Robotech® Genesis Pits™ Sourcebook

In final production! Goes to the printer next week. Approvals on text have been coming in from Harmony Gold. We have been making their changes and discussing others. Wayne has started typesetting. Layout is to follow next week. We’ve also been submitting artwork for approval.

As usual, Palladium’s awesome artists have knocked out one excellent piece of artwork after another. Apollo Okamura’s opening piece is breathtaking. The Manning Bros and Mike Wilson artwork is top notch as usual, and Ben, Nick, Mumah and the rest of the artists have turned in nice work as well.

Robotech fans are going to go wild over this outstanding new sourcebook. See the new description below for updated information about what it contains. Such as a new breed of Invid. Our goal is to send Robotech® Genesis Pits™ Sourcebook to the printer by the end of next week.

UPDATE: Robotech® Tactical RPG and Game Pieces

You already know we are planning to release 1/285th scale, plastic game pieces for all eras of Robotech®, starting with the Macross Saga, but you don’t know how awesome it will be. Boy oh boy, do we have big plans. After many contract discussions, planning and market research, we made a major breakthrough on Tuesday with our development partners. Contracts should be signed by next week and full swing development will get underway immediately. We still cannot reveal details, but Robotech® fans (and fans of miniatures) should be thrilled with who we are working with to insure a top quality game, attention to detail and gorgeous game pieces. When I described what we had planned, a sales rep at one of Palladium’s top distributors exclaimed, “What value for the money! Every Robotech® fan will want this game. I know I want one as soon as I can get it.” Unfortunately, that’s not till next year. More details in the weeks to come.

UPDATE: Online Sales

Online sales ended strong last week and are looking excellent so far this week. PLEASE do not forget us over the holiday weekend. Yes, stores across America will be offering Black Friday door-busters and specials – heck, I’ll probably hit a few stores myself – but don’t forget, the best deal of the holidays for gamers is Palladium’s Christmas Surprise Package. $85-$95 worth of product for only about $45! And we are happy to autograph ALL books if you ask us to do so, and most customers do. For many gamers this is the only way for them to get signed books. A great gift for ALL gift-giving occasions – Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, birthdays, anniversaries, and so on.

FREE Sneak Preview of new Palladium releases on DriveThruRPG.com are coming soon

Oh, yeah, get the inside track for upcoming releases as well as the FREE PDF of our new, 48 page, color catalog from DriveThruRPG.com. The print edition (in black and white) arrived to the warehouse last week and is available by request. It will be dropped into most mail orders and Christmas Surprise Packages.

DriveThruRPG.com is also your place to get PDFs of older products and sneak previews of upcoming books. Many back issues of The Rifter® are available on DriveThruRPG.com (issues #1-52), as are more than 90 out of print titles such as Rifts®, BTS™ and Palladium Fantasy® first edition rule books and sourcebooks. A sneak preview of Rifts® Vampires Sourcebook should also be coming soon. We have not forgotten about the PDF only editions of The Rifter® #0.1 and The Rifter® #0.2 – both are big, juicy digital editions of new, fan created material for the Palladium Megaverse® of games.

DriveThruRPG.com also offers the Rifts® and Palladium Fantasy® Game Master Kits (both written by Carl Gleba and complete with maps, combat matrix, character sheets, spell list, and 20 pre-rolled characters created by Julius Rosenstein; $5 each). Of course, there are FREE Sneak Previews of Rifts® Black Market, Endless Dead™, Rifts® Lemuria, Rifts® Vampire Kingdoms™, and Thundercloud Galaxy™, as well as 90+ out of print titles, including back issues of The Rifter®, and first edition rule books for Rifts®, Palladium Fantasy RPG®, Heroes Unlimited™, The Mechanoid Invasion® Trilogy, and lots of other good things. ALL available as PDF downloads at reasonable prices. And there is MORE to come.

UPDATE: Christmas Surprise Package – BEST DEAL of the HOLIDAYS

I’ll keep saying it because it is true: The Palladium Christmas Surprise Package is the best deal of the season. Steep discount. No quantity limit. Autographs if you want them. Plus fun and surprises.

The Palladium Christmas Surprise Package gets you $85-$95 worth of Palladium product, autographs and fun for (in most cases in the USA and Canada) $45. These days, that’s the price of a core rule book or two supplements. How can you pass up such a deal?

It’s also a way for you to get original artwork, prints, out of print copies of The Rifter®, miniatures, T-shirts and other goodies. And it’s designed so you don’t know what you are getting, so you or the person you are ordering it for will be surprised.

It involves you sending Santa Kevin a “Wish List” of 10-12 different in-stock products and a flat payment (+ shipping and handling). I then hand-pick items from that Wish List and I may include product you didn’t ask for (hence the nickname, “X-Mas Grab Bag”), but all things I think you’ll enjoy, and we ship it all off to you. Gamers have been loving this special offer for 14 or 15 years now. Order one or several for yourself and for your gaming buddies. For the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, or just to get cool stuff and signatures. Get all the information from the description in the online store.

Lights Out

I had planned to announce a surprise, but it will have to wait till next week. We lost power for a few hours as well as our Internet connection and that put a crimp in our work day. There were also a few other issues that had to be dealt with. I’m glad to report that as of 6:00 PM Wednesday, the power is back on! That’s a bigger relief than you might think, because I plan to work through part of the weekend. Fear not, I will take some time off to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner, see a movie or two, and get a little (just a little) rest and relaxation. I hope the rest of you get in even more fun.

Have a joyful Thanksgiving Day weekend and please don’t forget about Palladium Books or the Surprise Package offer during the frenzy of holiday shopping. Buy Palladium! But mostly enjoy yourselves and take care.

– Kevin Siembieda, Publisher, Writer and Surrogate Santa

Surprise Package comments from fans like you

Every year there is a section where the customer can offer comments and suggestions with his or her Surprise Package order. Every year, in acknowledgment of our fans, and because they are fun to read, we offer a sampling in the Weekly Updates. Our heartfelt thanks to all of you who have made 2012 a very good year for Palladium. Keep those imaginations burning bright, have a joyous holiday season and game on.

You have no idea how much your comments and support mean to all of us. Everyone at Palladium enjoys reading your brief comments. They always brighten our day. Thank you.

K.O. at an APO writes: I just received my previous order (it takes a while to get to the APO here) and I am ecstatic! Man, I cannot begin to put into words just how happy this makes me. I look back at my bookshelf now, and among the various other things there, I see the familiar brightly colored Palladium book spines . . . and it is like an old lost friend has finally come home. I believe that an emphatic thank you is most certainly in order, so . . . thanks guys. For everything.

T.R. in Louisville, Kentucky, writes: I’m actually a newer gamer, having only been playing for a year or two. A friend started me and I now am running a Palladium Fantasy game. I would also like to take this opportunity to compliment your game system and dedication.

B.D. in Windsor, Canada, writes: Glad to see everything going great for Palladium. It’s long been my favorite game system. Congrats on a great year and many more [to come]!

E.V. in Scotland, Canada, writes: My second son is about one week old as I write this. It makes me happy to think that, one day, my sons will inherit my Palladium Books collection. I hope they find as much of a retreat in them as I did. Thank you for continuing to produce such outstanding material. I look forward to a great year of book releases.

D.N. in Notherwood, North Dakota, writes: I am loving all the books you have made. Robotech® got me started, all the way back in the first edition. And my love for robots got me into Rifts® and the other lines. The Glitter Boy now stands next to the Robotech mecha as one of my favorite mechs of all time. Please keep up your great work. I am really looking forward to the Northern Gun™ books. Please keep the books coming, especially Robotech®! Also looking forward to the Tactical game that will be coming out.

J.G. in Spokane, Washington, writes: Thank you so much to all five of you at Palladium who work to put these games out. I run a Palladium Fantasy campaign at my college, and we are all endlessly impressed and grateful that you guys manage to continue to publish all of these amazing books for everyone to enjoy.

J.P.W. in San Antonio, Texas, writes:Rifts® was my first RPG in 1995. I have played many others since then, but Palladium Books is still my favorite game company and Palladium’s games are still my favorite RPGs.

S.S. in Clearfield, Utah, writes: Keep up the good work, guys. I look forward to all the Beyond the Supernatural™ books that will be coming out in 2013.

T.P. in Saline, Michigan, writes (in part): Thank you for the previous Grab Bags. They have been great and really helped me get into Palladium Fantasy®. . . Kevin, you do amazing work and I really look forward to playing Palladium Fantasy soon. Have a great Thanksgiving, Santa Kev.

J.W. in Montreal, Canada, writes: This is for a friend that I have finally gotten back into Rifts® after 15 years.

T.H.A. in Incline Valley, Nevada, writes: Love the work, that’s why I’m ordering again. Keep it up. I can’t wait to see what you come up with next.

R.C. in Victoria, Texas, writes: You guys rock!

From Kevin Siembieda & staff to all of you. All these wonderful comments are more reasons for us to be thankful. Palladium fans are the greatest and we appreciate you. To quote R.C., “You guys (and gals) rock.” Happy holidays. - Kevin Siembieda

BACK IN PRINT: Rifts® Logo T-Shirts in most sizes – available now

We’ve been asked over and over again to re-issue the popular Rifts® Logo T-shirt in sizes other than XL. We heard your requests, and here you go. Order yours today.

● The full Rifts® logo as created by artist Kevin Long, printed in white on a black T-shirt.

NEW! The Rifter® #60 – Available NOW!

The Rifter® Number 60 is another standout issue.

Rifts® Black Market™ – Trust and Intimidate: A Way of Life for operatives, thugs and dealers in the Black Market. By Liam Gray.

Rifts® Sorcerer’s Forge™ – A hidden community of Techno-Wizards with more than one secret to conceal. Many new and unique TW weapons, power armor and gear, as well as details about the place and some of the interesting inhabitants. By Timothy Dorman.

Splicers® – House Pandorum is one of the Splicer clans making moves. Get details about the house itself and a host of new Splicers weapons, armor, mutants and monsters. By Kris Tipping.

Heroes Unlimited™ – Superhero adventure that starts in space and brings a cadre of erstwhile alien heroes and their spaceship to Earth. By Thomas Morrison.

Modern Horror, Short Story – A tale of intrigue and mystery by J.V. Adams.

Gaming with Children – Step by step suggestions on how to introduce role-playing games to children by a Game Master with personal experience. Written by Hendrik Härterich.

The Rifter® #50, Anniversary Special – Available NOW!

– back in print due to popular demand

You might think of The Rifter® #50 as a special “all-star” anniversary issue with official source material for Rifts®, Heroes Unlimited™, Nightbane® and many other Palladium RPG settings.

The Rifter® #50 includes:

Chaos Earth™ – Official source material that includes psionics and three new psychic O.C.C.s: Charismatic O.C.C., Reactionary O.C.C. and Teke Freak O.C.C. Written by Jason Richards. Art by Allen and Brian Manning.

Heroes Unlimited™ – Official source material about fame, glory and infamy for heroes and the legacy they create. Written by Mark Oberle. Art by Mark Dudley.

Nightbane® – Official source material on the new O.C.C. known as the Mortificant or Death Caller. Written by Irvin Jackson. Art by Kent Burles.

Splicers® – Official source material that includes three new O.C.C.s: The Geneticist O.C.C., Tormentor O.C.C., and the Gardener O.C.C., and more. Written by Brandon Aten and Matthew Orr. Art by Chuck Walton.

Rifts® Vampires Sourcebook™ – Coming Next!

I’m working on this bad boy right now! Unknown to most humans, deep within Mexico the vampires have established entire kingdoms. There they live like tyrants and gods, dominating an underclass of cattle people used as slaves and food stock. Learn more about the vampires, their rivals, allies and the humans who willingly serve their supernatural masters for a chance to join the undead. A must-have guide for those who wish to travel deeper into the Vampire Kingdoms or play as vampires and their human minions. In final production right now with art and text coming in and final editing and writing restarting next week.

More human kingdoms within Mexico like the Tampico Military Protectorate and Durango, the Silver City.

Firefighting robots, hover firetrucks and more anti-vampire gear.

Magic based Vampire Hunters and human strongholds.

Techno-Wizard anti-vampire weapons and magical devices.

Profiles for Doc Reid and Reid’s Rangers, the world’s most famous Vampire Hunters.

Fort Reid, an entire city devoted to hunting the undead.

The Bloodwatch, a secret vampire intelligence agency that tracks down and exterminates Vampire Hunters.

The Yucatan Peninsula, a mysterious dimensional pocket overrun by strange demons known as Xibalbans.

The return of the Mayan god Camazotz, Lord of Bats and Darkness.

The werebeasts of Mexico and Central America; those who assist the vampires and those who fight against them.

Robotech® Genesis Pits™ Sourcebook

In final production. Goes to the printer next week. This is an epic sourcebook that takes an in-depth look at the Invid Genesis Pits, their purpose, function, the mutants and monsters they unleash and the dangers they pose for non-Invid. It is jam-packed with never before seen information, mutations, mutation tables (so you can generate your own Genesis Pit monsters and characters) and more.

Inorganics and other war machines of the Invid Regent.

Gura-Invid – monstrous mutant Invid that do not leave when the Regess and her Invid legions depart.

Bioroid and Zentraedi mutants, Simulagents and more.

Different types of Genesis Pits from across the galaxy.

Tables for creating Genesis Mutants as player characters and NPC villains.

Tables for creating Genesis Monsters as player characters and NPC villains.

Rifts® Black Market Hardcover

– Gold Contraband Edition – Available now!

Everything you want to know about the Black Market of Rifts® North America presented inside a pair of gorgeous black leatherette covers. Gold foil embossing on front cover and spine. Historically, gold collector editions only increase in value on the collector’s market, and often quickly. This is the lowest number of a Collector’s Gold Edition that Palladium has ever printed.

Rifts® Black Market™ – Softcover Edition – Available now

See what everyone is talking about and order yours today. Rifts® Black Market™ is an epic, 192 page sourcebook that contains a wealth of information about the inner workings of the Black Market, the Five Factions, new Bandito Arms/Black Market weapons and gear, how to make any O.C.C. a Black Marketeer, special abilities of the Black Marketeer, criminal enterprises, Black Market loans, merc and crime jobs, and much more. This book has it all. AND best of all, a lot of it can be easily adapted to just about any world setting, not just Rifts Earth.

Rules to make any O.C.C. (or R.C.C.) a Black Marketeer.

Special abilities and benefits of the Black Marketeer.

Specialized O.C.C.s of the Black Market.

Criminal enterprises, jobs, and inner workings of the Black Market.

The Five Black Market Factions that wield the greatest power in North America: Bandito Arms, The Chicago Network, The Immaterial Hand, El Oculta, and Le Marche Noir.

Rifts® World Book 33: Northern Gun™ One

Northern Gun™ is the largest independent manufacturer of high-tech weapons, robots and vehicles in North America. Outside of the Coalition States, one could argue, no other kingdom is as powerful or influential, at least when it comes to technology and weapons. The manufacture and sale of Northern Gun weapons and vehicles has given virtually every kingdom, town, colony of settlers and adventurer group a chance to survive and prosper. Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, NG has been the premier outfitter of mercenaries, adventurers and upstart kingdoms for generations. Now, for the first time ever, learn Northern Gun’s history, goals and plans for the future. Of course, that means new weapons, robots, power armor, vehicles and gear.

In-depth look at Northern Gun: its business operations and its community.

Rifts® World Book 35: Megaverse® in Flames™

The Minion War spills across Rifts Earth, where demons and infernals hope to recruit allies and use the Rifts as gateways of destruction. Their influence shakes things up across the planet, especially at locations where demons and Deevils already have a strong presence. Demons, Deevils and supernatural beings run rampant and wreak havoc across the world.

Demon plagues and mystic blights.

Soulmancy and Blood Magic revealed.

Magical and demonic weapons and war machines.

Demonic armies, strongholds and places of evil.

Hell Pits and Rune Forges.

Many Demon Lords, their minions and plans.

Calgary, the Kingdom of Monsters; in detail.

Ciudad de Diablo, Harpies’ Island and other notable Hell holes on Earth.

Lord Doom, Pain and other demonic leaders.

Horune treachery, Dimension Stormers and other villains.

Notable demonic generals, mercenaries, people and places.

Battleground: Earth – as demons and infernals amass their legions.

Global chaos and the places most dramatically affected by the Demon Plagues.

PDF downloads from DriveThruRPG.com

This is a great resource for getting out of print Palladium titles and other select books. We’ve made 90 titles available as PDF digital downloads from DriveThruRPG.com. This is a great way to try Palladium products and get access to out of print RPG source material. Some notable titles include.

‘Tis the season for zombies! Dead Reign™ Zombie RPG.

Everyone I’ve ever talked to who has tried this game loves it, especially if they had a thing for post-apocalyptic games and zombies to begin with. Fans of zombies, horror and apocalyptic settings really should give this RPG a try. – Kevin Siembieda

Dead Reign™ RPG – ideal introductory role-playing game

Think you know zombies? Think again.

Can you survive in a world where the dead have risen and feed upon the living? Battle zombies, mad men and death cultists in a post-apocalyptic where world the last of humanity struggles to survive.

Dead Reign™ RPG is the aftermath of the zombie apocalypse. Civilization is gone, the dead reign, and the living fight to survive against impossible odds. Tales of zombies, human survival and horror as a fast-paced, easy to learn game and sourcebooks.

Easy to learn, easy to play, and fast paced.

Clean, simple rules and quick character generation, and a depth of information and setting.

BACK IN PRINT: Rifts® World Book 18: Mystic Russia™

– Available now

Russian mythology and magic come to life in this fan favorite Rifts® World Book. The book includes all kinds of demons, monsters, new magic character classes (O.C.C.s), and nine different types of gypsies – some of whom are adventurers, others mystics and mages, some psychics and one is even a beguiling shape-shifter. Plus more background about Russia and the Sovietski.

36 Fire Magic spells.

29 Nature Magic spells.

18 Russian Demons, their powers and hierarchy.

10 Russian Woodland spirits, including the Man-Wolf and Werebests.

The Night Witch, Hidden Witch and Born Mystic O.C.C.s.

Necromancy and Necromancers expanded and their place in Russia.

The Russian Ley Line Walker character class (O.C.C.).

The Russian Shifter/Summoner O.C.C. (and all those demons to call upon).

BACK IN PRINT: Rifts® Coalition Wars® One: Sedition™

– Available now

Magic vs Technology. The infamous Coalition/Siege on Tolkeen story arc starts with this 160 page sourcebook. Not only does it lay the groundwork for the Coalition’s all-out siege on the kingdom of magic, but it includes a vast number of Techno-Wizard weapons and vehicles, powerful magic artifacts, demons, monsters, magic and a historic Crisis Time-Line from 12 P.A. to 106 P.A.

BACK IN PRINT: Rifts® Coalition Wars® Two: Coalition Overkill™

– Available now

The Siege on Tolkeen goes into full swing as the Coalition Army makes the first devastating attacks on Tolkeen. Coalition Generals, Special Forces squads, and strategies are presented with a wealth of adventure ideas.

Rifts® Coalition Wars® Four: Cyber-Knights™

– Available now

We didn’t want you to forget about this excellent sourcebook in the series. The Coalition’s siege on Tolkeen has had a devastating impact on people across North America. None have been more affected than the Cyber-Knights. This sourcebook reveals not only the history and secrets of the Cyber-Knights, but the schism the war has created among the fabled warriors.

Rifts® World Book 23: Xiticix Invasion™

– Back in print – Available now

Earth is home to thousands of alien species from beyond the Rifts. One of the strangest and most dangerous is the Xiticix. A danger nobody seemed to realize until the sprawling Hivelands began to encroach on the territories of other people. Armed with new breeds of aggressive warriors, new weapons and legions of insectoids willing to fight to the death, people are beginning to wonder if they are the next threat to humanity.

Rifts® World Book 31: Triax™ Two

– Back in print – Available now

The war between the people of the New German Republic and the Gargoyle Empire rages on, but only the heroes of the NGR seem to be getting the upper hand. See where things stand in the year 109 P.A. and get a closer look at the NGR Army, government, society and people. This World Book also presents the latest weapons, combat vehicles, power armor and robots of the NGR as well as commercial vehicles, robot helpers, and more.

27 new Triax weapons plus new body armor and additional gear.

10 new Triax giant robots including the Talon and Devastator II.

10 cars and commercial vehicles plus more than 50 special features.

9 new robot drones including robot assistants, pets and Spy ‘Bots.

6 new Triax power armor suits, including the Predator II, Ulti-Max II, War Eagle, Fat Boy, and a flying Glitter Boy.

Rifts® Sourcebook Two: The Mechanoids®

– Back in Print – Available now

Archie 3 and Hagan Lonovich are two of the most beloved villains (anti-heroes?) in the Rifts Earth setting. This sourcebook highlights their strange relationship, plots and blunders. One of which is inadvertently unleashing The Mechanoids® into the world!

The Mechanoids have one driving goal: To destroy all humanoid life! This book has it all. Source material, the Mechanoids, new equipment, monsters, adventure and cryptic prophecies.

The prophecies of the Seven Dangers.

20+ Mechanoids and their robot legion.

Optional Mechanoids® Player Characters and character sheets.

Archie Three and Hagan: Heroes or villains?

The weapons and robot minions of Hagan Lonovich.

New creations from Archie Three and Hagan, plus more history and insight about the unlikely duo.

Classic Rifts® Miniatures – Back in stock

The following favorite Rifts® miniatures are back in stock. Some, like the Glitter Boy, have sold on the collector’s market for as much as $50-$120. They are being re-released for the first time in a decade.

Approximately 25 mm in size.

Each figure is an unpainted, pewter miniature. Some assembly and cleaning may be required.

Sold as a single, individual figure in a plastic bag and comes with a black, 30 mm or 40 mm plastic base.

Prices vary according to size, but range from $6-20 retail.

Sorry, not currently available in stores. Available only from Palladium Books.

Palladium Convention Calendar

Anime North – May 24-26, 2013 – Toronto, Canada

Speaking of which, have I mentioned that I will be one of the guests at Anime North in Toronto next year? Well, I will. The event takes place Memorial Day weekend, May 24-26, 2013. This will be my first time back at a convention in Canada in something like 15 years. Too long. www.animenorth.com

Gen Con® Indy – August 15-18, 2013 – Indianapolis, Indiana

Oh yeah, we can hardly wait for Gen Con next year. We may even need to expand the size of our booth.

Note: No Palladium Open House in 2013 and right now, there are no plans for one in 2014.